Review by Alexis Arendt
“When it comes to family, billionaire football team owner, Ian Dare gives his all, but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. Until one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him dealing his half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget.
Riley Taylor believes herself immune to domineering men – until charismatic Ian Dare turns a simple kiss into an all-out assault on her senses and she discovers she likes his brand of control in the bedroom. As their affair heats up, they soon realize this is more than just an affair. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything.” –Amazon.com
Dare to Love is an intelligent and engaging contemporary romance. I was impressed by the well-rounded characters: Ian’s relationship with his family and his sincere efforts to meet Riley halfway keep him from being just another alpha male. I liked the way his sisters kept him grounded and challenged him at the same time.
Riley also has significant depth to her story. Her past with an abusive father is portrayed realistically, without being either underplayed or eclipsing her as a person. In a genre where abuse is being treated more and more often as a romantic trope, this is very refreshing.
With a compelling story line, plenty of ups and downs, and a handful of steamy sex scenes, this is a book well worth picking up!
Title: Dare to Love
Author: Carly Phillips
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication: CP Publishing 2013
Price: FREE (e-book, all formats), $12.29 (paperback)
Author’s Website: http://www.carlyphillips.com